Week 8 Overview
Autism Spectrum Disabilities
This week the content will focus on developing a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder. One important thing to remember is that Autism impacts each individual differently and although there may be some shared characteristics, each individuals experience with Autism is unique. This week take note of the range of experiences portrayed in the resources provided.
This week contains:
1 powerpoint on the characteristics of youth with ASD
1 article describing the new DSM language around the levels of Autism
1 video answering the question, “What is Autism?”
2 articles describing experiences of individuals on opposite ends of the spectrum (Walker Hughes and Jack& Kirsten)
1 article from The Atlantic, describing opportunities to provide services to minority youth with autism
1 video showing Individuals with Autism at work
Images of books featuring youth with Autism
What are the three levels of Autism?
Before 2015 people with Autism were often referred to as high functioning or low functioning. However, changes were recently made to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) with a focus on the level of support, social interaction, ability to manage daily life, and communication ability. People with
Autism are not diagnosed with Autism at level 1, level 2, or level 3.
Review the article (linked below) summarizing the Levels of Autism and common characteristics associated with them. Be sure to read all the way to the end where you will see some of the questions that have arisen as these changes surfaced.
Article Link AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-the-three-levels-of-autism-260233
Life on the Spectrum
Autism is a spectrum disorder that results in different strengths, needs, and experiences for each individual who has it. Watch this video, created by Amythest Schaber, a woman with Autism who writes, blogs, and make YouTube videos called “Ask an Autistic.” Amythest brings a unique perspective as an indigenous Metis, a multiancestral group indigenous to Canada and parts of the northern US. She speaks to the necessity for valuing difference and tackles many tricky topics.
In this video she provides a good overview of some things to know about Autism. As she states several times in the video Autism is a “massive topic” that cannot be summarized easily. However, her video does a great job on teaching a bit about the varied experiences that individual with Autism may have.
As you watch, consider the range of experiences of individuals with Autism.
Video Link AVAILABLE HERE: https://youtu.be/Vju1EbVVgP8
Want to hear more from Amythest? Check out Amythest’s blog at: http://neurowonderful.tumblr.com
Want to more about Autism? Check out Amythest’s Resource Master Post at: https://neurowonderful.tumblr.com/autismmasterpost
Case one: Walker Hughes
Walker Hughes and the comfort of Starbucks
Read how the familiarity of Starbuck’s brings Walker comfort throughout his daily experiences.
As you read, compare and contrast Walker’s experience with Autism (as depicted here) to that of Jack Robison and Kirsten Lindsmith (as depicted in the NY Times and on Autism Talk TV below).
Article Link AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-autism-starbucks-father-son-perspec-0215-jm-20160212-story.html
Case Two: Jack and Kirsten
Navigating Love and Autism with Jack Robison and Kirsten Lindsmith, two teenagers with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Article Link AVAILABLE HERE: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/26/us/navigating-love-and-autism.html
Serving minority youth with Autism
This story is on the topic of under-identified youth with Autism from minority communities, with Chicago examples.
As you read, consider how implicit bias has impacted these families.
Article Link AVAILABLE HERE: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/05/autism-research-overlooked-racial-bias/481314/
60 seconds of fun: Working at the car wash!
Check out this awesome story of how one father is supporting his son and many others with Autism.
Link AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zb4QxsVivk
THIS WEEK’S ASSIGNMENT WRITING PROMPT:
Week 8 – Autism
This is a two-part post, so read all the way through the material and select into the response that fits your career path…
Consider everything that you know about the levels of Autism, the varied strengths and needs of students with Autism, and the diverse experiences of individuals with Autism. Walker, Jack, Kirsten, and Amythest all experience autism differently.
Part 1: Teachers – respond…
Autism is a broad spectrum, and as such, individuals have widely varying levels of abilities and skills. You might have a student similar to Walker, Jack, or Kirsten in your classroom.
As their teacher, how would you utilize their strengths (and every child has a strength) as well as interests in order to help them achieve the academic goal stated in their IEP? How could you differentiate the curriculum you are teaching to help them access grade level Common Core academic standards (taking into account strengths and interests)?
Part 2: Social Workers AND Teachers – please respond…
If Jack and Kirsten were high school students, do you think they would they need a 504 Plan or an IEP? Explain your choice. Refer to this: https://www.understood.org/en/school-learning/special-services/504-plan/the-difference-between-ieps-and-504-plans
